NTT DoCoMo to buy 26% stake in Indian telecom
NTT DoCoMo Inc, Japan's biggest cellular operator, said Wednesday it will buy a 26% stake in Indian mobile phone carrier Tata Teleservices, India's sixth largest, for about 260 billion yen ($2.7 billion).
The deal, reported by the Nikkei newspaper and confirmed by NTT DoCoMo (JP:9437: news, chart, profile) and Tata Teleservices in a joint statement after the close of Tokyo trading Wednesday, reflects efforts by the Japanese wireless provider to expand into fast-growing markets outside Japan.
NTT DoCoMo will buy 20% of outstanding common shares of Tata Teleservices in a deal with Tata Sons Ltd, and a 6% stake directly from the telecom's existing shareholders, the statement said.
Shares of NTT DoCoMo ended 1.3% higher in Tokyo trading ahead of the announcement.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Singatel - reduced profits
SingTel says Q2 profit falls 12.1 percent
Singapore Telecommunications said Wednesday net profit fell 12.1 percent for the second quarter as regional income was hit by a strong local currency and rollout costs for the launch of Apple's iPhone.
For the three months to September, net profit came to 868 million Singapore dollars (586 million US), down from 988 million dollars in the same period last year.
The result beat a Dow Jones Newswires poll of analysts who predicted an average net profit of 859.8 million dollars for the quarter.
Operating revenues totalled 3.89 billion dollars, up 5.3 percent from 3.69 billion dollars last year, said SingTel, Southeast Asia's largest telecoms company.
In the half-year to September, net profit fell 8.8 percent year-on-year to 1.75 billion dollars while operating revenues were 5.6 percent stronger at 7.67 billion dollars, the company said.
"Our expansion in the region subjects us to the volatility of the regional currencies," said SingTel's group chief executive officer Chua Sock Koong.
"A stronger Singapore dollar reduces our mobile associates' earnings.
"The current global financial crisis is unprecedented and the negative impact on businesses will be inevitable."
Carey Wong, an analyst with OCBC Investment Research, said: "SingTel has further watered down its outlook for the rest of year."
Operating expenses rose 18 percent to 834 million dollars, partly due to the Singapore and Australia debut of the iPhone, SingTel said.
"For the second quarter, the incremental impact of the iPhone 3G activations reduced EBITDA by approximately 27 million Singapore dollars in Singapore and approximately 44 million Australian dollars (29.46 million US) in Australia," it said.
EBITDA is earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation.
Chua said the company, which has a wholly-owned Australian subsidiary Optus, has already implemented a freeze on new hiring in Singapore and Australia to cope with the weaker business climate.
"The financial turmoil that we see in the markets, we expect would cause businesses to slow down... We have implemented a hiring freeze," Chua said at a news conference.
Staff cuts would be "a last resort," she said.
SingTel said pre-tax profit contributions from its regional mobile associates tumbled 26 percent to 461 million dollars during the second quarter. This included a 41-million-dollar post-tax loss from Warid Telecom, the fourth largest cellular operator in Pakistan.
Aside from Warid, SingTel holds equity stakes in five other mobile operators: Bharti of India, Indonesia's Telkomsel, AIS in Thailand, Globe Telecom of the Philippines and Pacific Bangladesh Telecom.
The Indian rupee, Indonesian rupiah, Philippine peso and Thai baht depreciated against the Singapore dollar during the quarter, which resulted in currency translation losses for the group, said Chua.
"As a high proportion of the group's earnings contributions are from outside Singapore, its financial performance is sensitive to currency movements in the countries the group operates in," she said.
In Australia, the weaker Australian dollar also impacted SingTel's earnings at the group level even though Optus delivered a 6.8 percent jump in operating revenues from a year ago.
During the quarter, Optus recorded operating revenues of 2.06 billion Australian dollars and net profit of 125 million Australian dollars, up 1.8 percent from last year.
SingTel saw revenues in its home market rise 10 percent to 1.33 billion dollars from a year ago but net profit dipped 4.8 percent to 353 million dollars, it said.
SingTel shares closed three cents higher at 2.38 dollars.
The company is 55 percent owned by state-linked investment firm Temasek Holdings.
Singapore Telecommunications said Wednesday net profit fell 12.1 percent for the second quarter as regional income was hit by a strong local currency and rollout costs for the launch of Apple's iPhone.
For the three months to September, net profit came to 868 million Singapore dollars (586 million US), down from 988 million dollars in the same period last year.
The result beat a Dow Jones Newswires poll of analysts who predicted an average net profit of 859.8 million dollars for the quarter.
Operating revenues totalled 3.89 billion dollars, up 5.3 percent from 3.69 billion dollars last year, said SingTel, Southeast Asia's largest telecoms company.
In the half-year to September, net profit fell 8.8 percent year-on-year to 1.75 billion dollars while operating revenues were 5.6 percent stronger at 7.67 billion dollars, the company said.
"Our expansion in the region subjects us to the volatility of the regional currencies," said SingTel's group chief executive officer Chua Sock Koong.
"A stronger Singapore dollar reduces our mobile associates' earnings.
"The current global financial crisis is unprecedented and the negative impact on businesses will be inevitable."
Carey Wong, an analyst with OCBC Investment Research, said: "SingTel has further watered down its outlook for the rest of year."
Operating expenses rose 18 percent to 834 million dollars, partly due to the Singapore and Australia debut of the iPhone, SingTel said.
"For the second quarter, the incremental impact of the iPhone 3G activations reduced EBITDA by approximately 27 million Singapore dollars in Singapore and approximately 44 million Australian dollars (29.46 million US) in Australia," it said.
EBITDA is earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation.
Chua said the company, which has a wholly-owned Australian subsidiary Optus, has already implemented a freeze on new hiring in Singapore and Australia to cope with the weaker business climate.
"The financial turmoil that we see in the markets, we expect would cause businesses to slow down... We have implemented a hiring freeze," Chua said at a news conference.
Staff cuts would be "a last resort," she said.
SingTel said pre-tax profit contributions from its regional mobile associates tumbled 26 percent to 461 million dollars during the second quarter. This included a 41-million-dollar post-tax loss from Warid Telecom, the fourth largest cellular operator in Pakistan.
Aside from Warid, SingTel holds equity stakes in five other mobile operators: Bharti of India, Indonesia's Telkomsel, AIS in Thailand, Globe Telecom of the Philippines and Pacific Bangladesh Telecom.
The Indian rupee, Indonesian rupiah, Philippine peso and Thai baht depreciated against the Singapore dollar during the quarter, which resulted in currency translation losses for the group, said Chua.
"As a high proportion of the group's earnings contributions are from outside Singapore, its financial performance is sensitive to currency movements in the countries the group operates in," she said.
In Australia, the weaker Australian dollar also impacted SingTel's earnings at the group level even though Optus delivered a 6.8 percent jump in operating revenues from a year ago.
During the quarter, Optus recorded operating revenues of 2.06 billion Australian dollars and net profit of 125 million Australian dollars, up 1.8 percent from last year.
SingTel saw revenues in its home market rise 10 percent to 1.33 billion dollars from a year ago but net profit dipped 4.8 percent to 353 million dollars, it said.
SingTel shares closed three cents higher at 2.38 dollars.
The company is 55 percent owned by state-linked investment firm Temasek Holdings.
Morocco - 3rd mobile licence
Morocco's third 2G licence highlights ongoing opportunities in the Middle East and North Africa, says Analysys Mason
More operators will enter the telecoms markets in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) as liberalisation continues, but established players still have many opportunities to expand their presence in the region, according to the new report, MENA telecoms market: strategies and opportunities 2008--2013, from Analysys Mason, the premier adviser on telecoms, IT and media ( www.analysysmason.com).
A third 2G licence in Morocco -- expected to be issued in the coming months, following the commencment of the biddingprocess in October -- is among the many opportunities still available in the region, says report author and analyst at Analysys Mason, Daniel Jones. Sales of stakes in Batelco and Omantel are also in progress. "The market will become more complex as new players, including MVNOs and WiMAX operators, launch services. However, the new licences and privatisation activity will enable major operators in MENA -- such as Etisalat, Orascom, Saudi Telecom, Qtel and Zain -- to expand their pan-regional operations and strengthen their grip on the region," says Jones.
Other major investment opportunities are clouded by political or regulatory issues that make it unclear as to when operators might be able to take advantage of them. These include the delays to the sale of a stake in Algerie Telecom, the award of a second fixed licence in Egypt and the privatisation of the two Lebanese mobile operators, as well as uncertainty over the auction of a third mobile licence in Iran.
MENA telecoms market: strategies and opportunities 2008--2013 examines the key issues affecting the fixed, mobile and broadband markets in the MENA region, including ongoing market liberalisation, the impact of WiMAX, prospects for MVNOs and the strategies of pan-regional operators. The report provides case studies, market data and forecasts for four of the region's largest markets -- Egypt, Morocco, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates -- as well as for the region as a whole.
"Operators are keen to expand, but they must not lose sight of the importance of their established operations and how to best exploit opportunities in those markets," explained Jones. "Broadband services will represent the key growth area during the next five years, and mobile operators need to position themselves to take advantage of this growth, as European operators have in their home markets."
More operators will enter the telecoms markets in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) as liberalisation continues, but established players still have many opportunities to expand their presence in the region, according to the new report, MENA telecoms market: strategies and opportunities 2008--2013, from Analysys Mason, the premier adviser on telecoms, IT and media ( www.analysysmason.com).
A third 2G licence in Morocco -- expected to be issued in the coming months, following the commencment of the biddingprocess in October -- is among the many opportunities still available in the region, says report author and analyst at Analysys Mason, Daniel Jones. Sales of stakes in Batelco and Omantel are also in progress. "The market will become more complex as new players, including MVNOs and WiMAX operators, launch services. However, the new licences and privatisation activity will enable major operators in MENA -- such as Etisalat, Orascom, Saudi Telecom, Qtel and Zain -- to expand their pan-regional operations and strengthen their grip on the region," says Jones.
Other major investment opportunities are clouded by political or regulatory issues that make it unclear as to when operators might be able to take advantage of them. These include the delays to the sale of a stake in Algerie Telecom, the award of a second fixed licence in Egypt and the privatisation of the two Lebanese mobile operators, as well as uncertainty over the auction of a third mobile licence in Iran.
MENA telecoms market: strategies and opportunities 2008--2013 examines the key issues affecting the fixed, mobile and broadband markets in the MENA region, including ongoing market liberalisation, the impact of WiMAX, prospects for MVNOs and the strategies of pan-regional operators. The report provides case studies, market data and forecasts for four of the region's largest markets -- Egypt, Morocco, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates -- as well as for the region as a whole.
"Operators are keen to expand, but they must not lose sight of the importance of their established operations and how to best exploit opportunities in those markets," explained Jones. "Broadband services will represent the key growth area during the next five years, and mobile operators need to position themselves to take advantage of this growth, as European operators have in their home markets."
Saturday, November 08, 2008
AT&T buys Wayport
AT&T to buy Wi-Fi hot spot provider for $275M
With Wayport acquisition, AT&T says it can reduce Wi-Fi costs, provide more content and advertising to users
AT&T Inc. announced today it has agreed to buy private Wi-Fi hot spot provider Wayport Inc. for about $275 million in cash.
Austin-based Wayport had already been providing back-office management for AT&T hot spots in many restaurants and other locations, but now all of Wayport's assets and infrastructure will be owned by AT&T, spokeswoman Jenny Bridges said in an interview.
The purchase, expected to be finalized later this year, brings the number of AT&T hot spots in the U.S. to 20,000, up from 17,000, the spokeswoman said. Many of the hot spots are in McDonald's restaurants and Starbucks coffee shops, but the total now includes a variety of hotels and health care facilities.
The purchase capitalizes on AT&T's long-held strategy of providing both wide-area and Wi-Fi wireless connections to business and consumer customers. "One mode complements the other, giving near-ubiquitous Internet access for businesses and consumers," Bridges said.
The purchase "clearly" makes AT&T the domestic Wi-Fi leader and also supports AT&T's iPhone strategy, said Phillip Redman, an analyst at Gartner Inc. "It makes sense looking at multiple technologies to provide the best coverage."
Wi-Fi signals are generally much faster, as much as 10 times faster, than cellular network speeds. They also operate indoors better than cellular signals, analysts and Wayport officials said.
AT&T offers free Wi-Fi connections to some of its smart phone customers, including those with iPhones and its BlackBerry Bold, which went on sale this week. Customers of AT&T's LaptopConnect data network and its high-speed Internet on the U-verse service also get free Wi-Fi.
John Stankey, CEO of AT&T Operations, an AT&T business unit, said the Wayport purchase makes sense with the "exponential growth" of Wi-Fi equipped devices. About 300 million Wi-Fi-equipped devices shipped in 2007, while 1 billion should be on the market in 2012, according to research from In-Stat supplied by AT&T.
Bridges said that acquiring Wayport will reduce operating costs for AT&T in running Wi-Fi, as well as for businesses that want to offer it to their customers. She said that managing the infrastructure will make it easier for AT&T to increase revenues with more custom content, messaging and advertising on Wi-Fi-enabled Web pages.
With Wayport acquisition, AT&T says it can reduce Wi-Fi costs, provide more content and advertising to users
AT&T Inc. announced today it has agreed to buy private Wi-Fi hot spot provider Wayport Inc. for about $275 million in cash.
Austin-based Wayport had already been providing back-office management for AT&T hot spots in many restaurants and other locations, but now all of Wayport's assets and infrastructure will be owned by AT&T, spokeswoman Jenny Bridges said in an interview.
The purchase, expected to be finalized later this year, brings the number of AT&T hot spots in the U.S. to 20,000, up from 17,000, the spokeswoman said. Many of the hot spots are in McDonald's restaurants and Starbucks coffee shops, but the total now includes a variety of hotels and health care facilities.
The purchase capitalizes on AT&T's long-held strategy of providing both wide-area and Wi-Fi wireless connections to business and consumer customers. "One mode complements the other, giving near-ubiquitous Internet access for businesses and consumers," Bridges said.
The purchase "clearly" makes AT&T the domestic Wi-Fi leader and also supports AT&T's iPhone strategy, said Phillip Redman, an analyst at Gartner Inc. "It makes sense looking at multiple technologies to provide the best coverage."
Wi-Fi signals are generally much faster, as much as 10 times faster, than cellular network speeds. They also operate indoors better than cellular signals, analysts and Wayport officials said.
AT&T offers free Wi-Fi connections to some of its smart phone customers, including those with iPhones and its BlackBerry Bold, which went on sale this week. Customers of AT&T's LaptopConnect data network and its high-speed Internet on the U-verse service also get free Wi-Fi.
John Stankey, CEO of AT&T Operations, an AT&T business unit, said the Wayport purchase makes sense with the "exponential growth" of Wi-Fi equipped devices. About 300 million Wi-Fi-equipped devices shipped in 2007, while 1 billion should be on the market in 2012, according to research from In-Stat supplied by AT&T.
Bridges said that acquiring Wayport will reduce operating costs for AT&T in running Wi-Fi, as well as for businesses that want to offer it to their customers. She said that managing the infrastructure will make it easier for AT&T to increase revenues with more custom content, messaging and advertising on Wi-Fi-enabled Web pages.
Internet - keeping families together
Internet, cell phones bring families together, study finds
see also Pew Internet Report
Despite some widely reported theories that Internet use encourages isolation and creates wedges between family members, a study released yesterday found that Internet and cell phone technologies are more likely to bring family members together.
About 47% of 2,252 respondents to the Pew Internet & American Life Project survey (download PDF) reported that such technologies are increasing the quality of communications within households, and 53% said they are bolstering the quality of communications among family members living apart.
Previous research from Pew has found that search is closing in on e-mail as the most popular activity for online users. It has also found that record numbers of people are using the Web use to find political information this year.
The latest survey found that households of married couples with children are using cell phones to connect and coordinate their lives. Pew said they're using computers to come together at home for "shared moments of exploration and entertainment." Such households had the highest levels of Internet and cell phone usage, according to the survey.
"This new connectedness via cell phone and screen-sharing is correlated with some benefits for family life," the study found. "Those with the most technology are more likely to share moments with family members while they are online and to exchange some kinds of family communications such as checking in with other family members and coordinating activities."
The story also found that the more technology in a household, the better the communication among family members. For example, the study found that in 70% of couples who own cell phones, people contact each other at least once a day just to say hello or chat, compared to 54% of couples with one or no cell phone. In addition, 42% of parents contact their children daily using a cell phone, while 35% do so using a land-line telephone.
Meanwhile, 52% of Internet users who live with a spouse and one or more children go online with another person multiple times a week, Pew found. Another 34% go online with family members at least occasionally, the study said.
The study debunked the theory that technology often creates isolation among family members. In fact, 25% of the respondents said that access to the Internet and cell phones has made their families closer, while only 11% said that such technologies have isolated family members. About 60% of adults said technology has not affected the relationships of family members at all.
The study did note that technology in many cases has increased working hours, keeping family members physically apart for longer periods.
"Those with multiple communication devices are somewhat less likely to eat dinner with other household members and somewhat less likely to report high levels of satisfaction with their family and leisure time than are families with lower levels of technology ownership," according to the study
The survey also found that the Internet has affected family television viewing habits -- one-fourth of respondents reported that they are watching less TV.
see also Pew Internet Report
Despite some widely reported theories that Internet use encourages isolation and creates wedges between family members, a study released yesterday found that Internet and cell phone technologies are more likely to bring family members together.
About 47% of 2,252 respondents to the Pew Internet & American Life Project survey (download PDF) reported that such technologies are increasing the quality of communications within households, and 53% said they are bolstering the quality of communications among family members living apart.
Previous research from Pew has found that search is closing in on e-mail as the most popular activity for online users. It has also found that record numbers of people are using the Web use to find political information this year.
The latest survey found that households of married couples with children are using cell phones to connect and coordinate their lives. Pew said they're using computers to come together at home for "shared moments of exploration and entertainment." Such households had the highest levels of Internet and cell phone usage, according to the survey.
"This new connectedness via cell phone and screen-sharing is correlated with some benefits for family life," the study found. "Those with the most technology are more likely to share moments with family members while they are online and to exchange some kinds of family communications such as checking in with other family members and coordinating activities."
The story also found that the more technology in a household, the better the communication among family members. For example, the study found that in 70% of couples who own cell phones, people contact each other at least once a day just to say hello or chat, compared to 54% of couples with one or no cell phone. In addition, 42% of parents contact their children daily using a cell phone, while 35% do so using a land-line telephone.
Meanwhile, 52% of Internet users who live with a spouse and one or more children go online with another person multiple times a week, Pew found. Another 34% go online with family members at least occasionally, the study said.
The study debunked the theory that technology often creates isolation among family members. In fact, 25% of the respondents said that access to the Internet and cell phones has made their families closer, while only 11% said that such technologies have isolated family members. About 60% of adults said technology has not affected the relationships of family members at all.
The study did note that technology in many cases has increased working hours, keeping family members physically apart for longer periods.
"Those with multiple communication devices are somewhat less likely to eat dinner with other household members and somewhat less likely to report high levels of satisfaction with their family and leisure time than are families with lower levels of technology ownership," according to the study
The survey also found that the Internet has affected family television viewing habits -- one-fourth of respondents reported that they are watching less TV.
China - 80 million broadband lines
MIIT: China Nears 80M Broadband Subscribers
China had 79.35 million broadband subscribers by the end of September, 12.93 million more than in the first nine months of 2007, reports 163.com quoting Zhu Hongren, Operation and Monitoring Bureau director of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). Domestic telephone subscribers, including fixed-line and mobile users, reached 977 million, increasing 64.25 million from the year-ago period, said Zhu.
China's software industry revenue increased 32.8% year-on-year in the first months of 2008, according to the director.
China had 79.35 million broadband subscribers by the end of September, 12.93 million more than in the first nine months of 2007, reports 163.com quoting Zhu Hongren, Operation and Monitoring Bureau director of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). Domestic telephone subscribers, including fixed-line and mobile users, reached 977 million, increasing 64.25 million from the year-ago period, said Zhu.
China's software industry revenue increased 32.8% year-on-year in the first months of 2008, according to the director.
Increased mobile web usage
Mobile Web Usage Explodes Worldwide According to AdMob September 2008 Metrics
see also AdMob
AdMob, the world's largest mobile advertising marketplace, today highlighted the rapid and global growth of mobile Web and application usage over the past year in their September 2008 AdMob Mobile Metrics Report. The growth is widely distributed with 34 countries sending more than 10 million ad requests to AdMob’s network in September 2008, compared to only 16 countries in September 2007.
This month marks the one year anniversary of the report and in that time the number of monthly ad requests in the AdMob network tripled from 1.6 billion in September 2007 to 5.1 billion in September 2008. According to the report, the increase is attributable to a combination of organic growth from AdMob’s legacy publishers and addition of thousands of new mobile sites and applications to the company’s publisher network. The number of mobile sites and applications in AdMob’s network increased to more than 6,000, with 4,308 publishers requesting ads in September 2008.
Other highlights from the September 2008 report:
Worldwide, the Apple iPhone is now the number 4 handset after the Motorola RAZR, Nokia N70, and Motorola KRZR. There were 103 million ad requests from iPhones worldwide in September 2008.
In the US, 16 of the current Top 20 devices are new from September 2007. These new devices, such as the Samsung Instinct and Apple iPhone, deliver an improved mobile Web browsing experience including larger screen sizes, faster network connections, and other enhanced capabilities. However, the Motorola RAZR and KRZR are still the top two handsets in the US today.
In the UK, the Nokia N95 gained share steadily throughout the year and is now the leading handset with 9.7 percent share of requests. The SonyEricsson K800i and W810i, the number 1 and number 5 handsets respectively in September 2007, both remain in the Top 5 a year later.
Worldwide ad requests fell 0.8 percent month over month to 5.1 billion, while ads served increased 26 percent to 4.5 billion. U.S. requests grew 8.8 percent to 2.0 billion in September 2008. As part of AdMob’s ongoing quality initiatives, the company implemented certain minimum thresholds and stopped serving ads in low performing inventory, leading to the decline in worldwide requests.
see also AdMob
AdMob, the world's largest mobile advertising marketplace, today highlighted the rapid and global growth of mobile Web and application usage over the past year in their September 2008 AdMob Mobile Metrics Report. The growth is widely distributed with 34 countries sending more than 10 million ad requests to AdMob’s network in September 2008, compared to only 16 countries in September 2007.
This month marks the one year anniversary of the report and in that time the number of monthly ad requests in the AdMob network tripled from 1.6 billion in September 2007 to 5.1 billion in September 2008. According to the report, the increase is attributable to a combination of organic growth from AdMob’s legacy publishers and addition of thousands of new mobile sites and applications to the company’s publisher network. The number of mobile sites and applications in AdMob’s network increased to more than 6,000, with 4,308 publishers requesting ads in September 2008.
Other highlights from the September 2008 report:
Worldwide, the Apple iPhone is now the number 4 handset after the Motorola RAZR, Nokia N70, and Motorola KRZR. There were 103 million ad requests from iPhones worldwide in September 2008.
In the US, 16 of the current Top 20 devices are new from September 2007. These new devices, such as the Samsung Instinct and Apple iPhone, deliver an improved mobile Web browsing experience including larger screen sizes, faster network connections, and other enhanced capabilities. However, the Motorola RAZR and KRZR are still the top two handsets in the US today.
In the UK, the Nokia N95 gained share steadily throughout the year and is now the leading handset with 9.7 percent share of requests. The SonyEricsson K800i and W810i, the number 1 and number 5 handsets respectively in September 2007, both remain in the Top 5 a year later.
Worldwide ad requests fell 0.8 percent month over month to 5.1 billion, while ads served increased 26 percent to 4.5 billion. U.S. requests grew 8.8 percent to 2.0 billion in September 2008. As part of AdMob’s ongoing quality initiatives, the company implemented certain minimum thresholds and stopped serving ads in low performing inventory, leading to the decline in worldwide requests.
Prada phone
Introducing the Second Prada Phone by LG
LG Electronics(LG), a worldwide technology and design leader in mobile communications, and PRADA Group (Prada) today announced that the partnership that created the PRADA Phone by LG will release its second handset before the end of the year.
New PRADA Phone
Almost identical to the highly successful original, the new telephone has a hidden secret. In one smooth movement the ultra-thin keyboard slides from under the handset. As serenely as it appears, it slides invisibly, effortlessly away - a modern icon of mobile style and design with an extra competitive edge.
The new Prada phone by LG is the highly anticipated successor to the original Prada phone, which first brought Prada together with LG, one of the most advanced technology companies in the world.
The Prada phone made history as the first full touch-screen phone to reach the market. With all the characteristics of the most digitally enhanced phones, it was also a powerful aesthetic pioneer and quickly established its hold on the industry with over 1 million design-conscious users demanding handsets.
Its elegant good looks combined with a digitally sophisticated interface made it instantly appealing. The culmination of Prada research and development in the complete interior as well as exterior design and functionality of the phone and accessories was key to this success.
The unique QWERTY keyboard available only with the new telephone is designed for maximum ease of use. The metallic feel makes it a pleasure to touch and type, complimenting the slick design aesthetic. The silver keyboard along with the additional on-screen, call and hang-up buttons gives fresh tactility to the original minimal concept.
Other enhanced features include 3G compatibility with video calling, 7.2mbps HSDPA, full HTML browser, the 5 mega pixel camera with Schneider-Kreuznach certified lens, and Wi-Fi accessibility.
The second Prada handset by LG is not just for pleasure, this is a luxury design accessory that can also compete on every level with the most technological hand held devices.
The new Prada mobile will be available with a starting price of 600 Euros though major mobile dealerships in Italy, UK, France, Germany, Spain and Netherlands in the 4Q of 2008.
LG Electronics(LG), a worldwide technology and design leader in mobile communications, and PRADA Group (Prada) today announced that the partnership that created the PRADA Phone by LG will release its second handset before the end of the year.
New PRADA Phone
Almost identical to the highly successful original, the new telephone has a hidden secret. In one smooth movement the ultra-thin keyboard slides from under the handset. As serenely as it appears, it slides invisibly, effortlessly away - a modern icon of mobile style and design with an extra competitive edge.
The new Prada phone by LG is the highly anticipated successor to the original Prada phone, which first brought Prada together with LG, one of the most advanced technology companies in the world.
The Prada phone made history as the first full touch-screen phone to reach the market. With all the characteristics of the most digitally enhanced phones, it was also a powerful aesthetic pioneer and quickly established its hold on the industry with over 1 million design-conscious users demanding handsets.
Its elegant good looks combined with a digitally sophisticated interface made it instantly appealing. The culmination of Prada research and development in the complete interior as well as exterior design and functionality of the phone and accessories was key to this success.
The unique QWERTY keyboard available only with the new telephone is designed for maximum ease of use. The metallic feel makes it a pleasure to touch and type, complimenting the slick design aesthetic. The silver keyboard along with the additional on-screen, call and hang-up buttons gives fresh tactility to the original minimal concept.
Other enhanced features include 3G compatibility with video calling, 7.2mbps HSDPA, full HTML browser, the 5 mega pixel camera with Schneider-Kreuznach certified lens, and Wi-Fi accessibility.
The second Prada handset by LG is not just for pleasure, this is a luxury design accessory that can also compete on every level with the most technological hand held devices.
The new Prada mobile will be available with a starting price of 600 Euros though major mobile dealerships in Italy, UK, France, Germany, Spain and Netherlands in the 4Q of 2008.
Telecommuting and productivity
Telecommuting Boosts Worker Productivity, CompTIA Survey Finds
see also CompTIA
Cost savings, staff hiring and retention and improved employee health also cited as benefits. With ‘anywhere’ connectivity, faster broadband options and high-quality video and online conferencing choices, the opportunity for virtual offices is greater today and more affordable for businesses of all sizes and types
Companies that give their workers the option of telecommuting are benefiting from greater productivity, lower costs, more options for finding and retaining qualified staff, and improved employee health, according to a new survey released today by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA).
More than two-thirds (67 percent) of survey respondents said their organization has experienced greater worker productivity as a result of allowing employees to telecommute either full-time or part-time. Improved productivity is principally due to workers spending less time getting to and from work.
“With ‘anywhere’ connectivity, faster broadband options and high-quality video and online conferencing choices, the opportunity for virtual offices is greater today and more affordable for businesses of all sizes and types,” said Todd Thibodeaux, president and chief executive officer, CompTIA.
Companies who utilize telecommuting are also benefiting from cost savings through reduced use of office-related materials and resources and lower vehicle-related expenses. Nearly six out of ten respondents (59 percent) to the CompTIA telecommuting trends survey identified cost savings as a significant benefit.
Telecommuting is also helping organizations find and keep qualified staff, and keep their employees healthier.
According to the CompTIA survey, 39 percent of respondents said their companies have access to more qualified staff, especially those who may not otherwise be geographically accessible, because they offer telecommuting as an option. Another 37 percent of respondents said telecommuting helps their organization improve employee retention. One-quarter of survey respondents (25 percent) said telecommuting improves employee health, mainly though reduced stress levels associated with commuting to and from work.
Other benefits of telecommuting, as revealed in the survey, include promotion of safety through reduced highway use (18 percent); and environmental benefits (17 percent).
The survey was intended to better understand the benefits and challenges of telecommuting; and to determine how organizations are addressing these challenges. Businesses represented in the survey include information technology service companies, government, manufacturers, technology solution providers, not-for-profit training organizations and schools, telecommunications, healthcare, entertainment, and real estate. The Web-based survey was conducted between Aug. 27 and Sept. 23. It closed with 212 responses and has a margin of error of ± 5.6 percent.
see also CompTIA
Cost savings, staff hiring and retention and improved employee health also cited as benefits. With ‘anywhere’ connectivity, faster broadband options and high-quality video and online conferencing choices, the opportunity for virtual offices is greater today and more affordable for businesses of all sizes and types
Companies that give their workers the option of telecommuting are benefiting from greater productivity, lower costs, more options for finding and retaining qualified staff, and improved employee health, according to a new survey released today by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA).
More than two-thirds (67 percent) of survey respondents said their organization has experienced greater worker productivity as a result of allowing employees to telecommute either full-time or part-time. Improved productivity is principally due to workers spending less time getting to and from work.
“With ‘anywhere’ connectivity, faster broadband options and high-quality video and online conferencing choices, the opportunity for virtual offices is greater today and more affordable for businesses of all sizes and types,” said Todd Thibodeaux, president and chief executive officer, CompTIA.
Companies who utilize telecommuting are also benefiting from cost savings through reduced use of office-related materials and resources and lower vehicle-related expenses. Nearly six out of ten respondents (59 percent) to the CompTIA telecommuting trends survey identified cost savings as a significant benefit.
Telecommuting is also helping organizations find and keep qualified staff, and keep their employees healthier.
According to the CompTIA survey, 39 percent of respondents said their companies have access to more qualified staff, especially those who may not otherwise be geographically accessible, because they offer telecommuting as an option. Another 37 percent of respondents said telecommuting helps their organization improve employee retention. One-quarter of survey respondents (25 percent) said telecommuting improves employee health, mainly though reduced stress levels associated with commuting to and from work.
Other benefits of telecommuting, as revealed in the survey, include promotion of safety through reduced highway use (18 percent); and environmental benefits (17 percent).
The survey was intended to better understand the benefits and challenges of telecommuting; and to determine how organizations are addressing these challenges. Businesses represented in the survey include information technology service companies, government, manufacturers, technology solution providers, not-for-profit training organizations and schools, telecommunications, healthcare, entertainment, and real estate. The Web-based survey was conducted between Aug. 27 and Sept. 23. It closed with 212 responses and has a margin of error of ± 5.6 percent.
Zain - foreign acquisitions
Zain plans $4bn acquisitions
Kuwait's Mobile Telecommunications Co (Zain) plans to make four to five acquisitions worth up to $4bn before 2010 as the global credit crisis lowers asset prices for telecom firms, its chief executive told Reuters. Saad al-Barrak said Zain would seek to expand in Africa and the Middle East by buying majority stakes in companies or acquiring licences.
Kuwait's Mobile Telecommunications Co (Zain) plans to make four to five acquisitions worth up to $4bn before 2010 as the global credit crisis lowers asset prices for telecom firms, its chief executive told Reuters. Saad al-Barrak said Zain would seek to expand in Africa and the Middle East by buying majority stakes in companies or acquiring licences.
USA - white space spectrum for broadband
Tech groups applaud FCC white-spaces vote
Big tech vendors, including Google, Microsoft, and Motorola, pushed FCC to open up the TV spectrum to unlicensed broadband use
Barack Obama wasn't the only big winner in the United States on Election Day. The U.S. Federal Communications Commission's decision late Tuesday to allow new kinds of broadband devices to operate in unused television spectrum will reinvigorate the U.S. tech industry and provide a new broadband option for customers, supporters said.
Several big tech vendors, including Google, Microsoft, and Motorola, have pushed the FCC for years to open up the TV spectrum to unlicensed broadband use. Although U.S. President-Elect Obama hasn't taken a stand on the so-called spectrum white spaces, he has encouraged the U.S. government to focus on ways to bring broadband to parts of the country that have limited or no broadband options.
"This is an historic vote for our national economy, for consumer choice, and more competitive broadband markets," said Wally Bowen, executive director of the Mountain Area Information Network, a broadband provider based in Ashville, N.C. "Most of all, it is a victory for those areas of rural America and underserved urban neighborhoods, which have too long been denied the benefits of affordable high-speed Internet access."
Despite strong lobbying efforts by the U.S. television industry, wireless microphone makers, some churches, and performing artists, the vote "should be a clear signal to the new Congress and administration that this ruling is based on solid science and sound public policy," Bowen added. "Nov. 4, 2008, will be viewed by history as one of the FCC's finest moments."
Bowen and other supporters said two rounds of FCC testing showed that white-space devices can operate in the TV spectrum without interfering with existing users. A report released by the FCC in mid-October showed that prototype devices avoided interference in most, but not all, cases. The FCC will require new devices to include safeguards against interference, including geolocation technology, which uses technologies such as GPS to match a white-space device's location against a preexisting database of spectrum users.
Opponents of opening up the white spaces to broadband devices continued to raise concerns that the devices would interfere with existing TV and wireless microphone signals. The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) noted widespread opposition to the white-spaces vote, including dozens of U.S. lawmakers, several U.S. sports leagues, national TV networks, several large churches and dozens of performing artists.
Tuesday's vote "is just the beginning of a fight on behalf of the 110 million households that rely on television for news, entertainment, and lifesaving emergency information," Dennis Wharton, NAB's executive vice president, said in a statement. "Going forward, NAB and our allies will work with policy makers to ensure that consumers can access innovative broadband applications without jeopardizing interference-free TV."
U.S. customers should expect new types of broadband devices in about two years, some observers said. While some of these devices may be traditional smartphones, others could offer more options, including smart peer-to-peer devices and enhanced home broadband networks, FCC chairman Kevin Martin said Tuesday.
The TV spectrum, in low frequencies on the spectrum band, will allow broadband signals to travel significantly farther than on Wi-Fi spectrum, supporters say. The spectrum 54MHz and 698MHz will continue to be used for digital TV signals after the February 2009 switch from analog to digital broadcasts, but in all U.S. TV markets, parts of that spectrum is unused.
The lower-level TV spectrum will be better-suited to deliver long-range wireless broadband, or "Wi-Fi on steroids," as Martin said.
The FCC vote "ushers in a new era of wireless broadband innovation," Microsoft said in a statement. "Like other unlicensed facilities, which enabled popular technologies such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, white spaces will make possible new and creative solutions to a range of broadband connectivity challenges. And it will create opportunities for American companies to remain at the forefront of technological innovation worldwide, helping to create jobs and economic growth."
Google co-founder Larry Page also applauded the FCC vote.
"I've always thought that there are a lot of really incredible things that engineers and entrepreneurs can do with this spectrum," he wrote on Google's blog. "We will soon have 'Wi-Fi on steroids,' since these spectrum signals have much longer range than today's WiFi technology and broadband access can be spread using fewer base stations resulting in better coverage at lower cost.
"As an engineer, I was also really gratified to see that the FCC decided to put science over politics," Page added. "For years the broadcasting lobby and others have tried to spread fear and confusion about this technology, rather than allow the FCC's engineers to simply do their work."
Big tech vendors, including Google, Microsoft, and Motorola, pushed FCC to open up the TV spectrum to unlicensed broadband use
Barack Obama wasn't the only big winner in the United States on Election Day. The U.S. Federal Communications Commission's decision late Tuesday to allow new kinds of broadband devices to operate in unused television spectrum will reinvigorate the U.S. tech industry and provide a new broadband option for customers, supporters said.
Several big tech vendors, including Google, Microsoft, and Motorola, have pushed the FCC for years to open up the TV spectrum to unlicensed broadband use. Although U.S. President-Elect Obama hasn't taken a stand on the so-called spectrum white spaces, he has encouraged the U.S. government to focus on ways to bring broadband to parts of the country that have limited or no broadband options.
"This is an historic vote for our national economy, for consumer choice, and more competitive broadband markets," said Wally Bowen, executive director of the Mountain Area Information Network, a broadband provider based in Ashville, N.C. "Most of all, it is a victory for those areas of rural America and underserved urban neighborhoods, which have too long been denied the benefits of affordable high-speed Internet access."
Despite strong lobbying efforts by the U.S. television industry, wireless microphone makers, some churches, and performing artists, the vote "should be a clear signal to the new Congress and administration that this ruling is based on solid science and sound public policy," Bowen added. "Nov. 4, 2008, will be viewed by history as one of the FCC's finest moments."
Bowen and other supporters said two rounds of FCC testing showed that white-space devices can operate in the TV spectrum without interfering with existing users. A report released by the FCC in mid-October showed that prototype devices avoided interference in most, but not all, cases. The FCC will require new devices to include safeguards against interference, including geolocation technology, which uses technologies such as GPS to match a white-space device's location against a preexisting database of spectrum users.
Opponents of opening up the white spaces to broadband devices continued to raise concerns that the devices would interfere with existing TV and wireless microphone signals. The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) noted widespread opposition to the white-spaces vote, including dozens of U.S. lawmakers, several U.S. sports leagues, national TV networks, several large churches and dozens of performing artists.
Tuesday's vote "is just the beginning of a fight on behalf of the 110 million households that rely on television for news, entertainment, and lifesaving emergency information," Dennis Wharton, NAB's executive vice president, said in a statement. "Going forward, NAB and our allies will work with policy makers to ensure that consumers can access innovative broadband applications without jeopardizing interference-free TV."
U.S. customers should expect new types of broadband devices in about two years, some observers said. While some of these devices may be traditional smartphones, others could offer more options, including smart peer-to-peer devices and enhanced home broadband networks, FCC chairman Kevin Martin said Tuesday.
The TV spectrum, in low frequencies on the spectrum band, will allow broadband signals to travel significantly farther than on Wi-Fi spectrum, supporters say. The spectrum 54MHz and 698MHz will continue to be used for digital TV signals after the February 2009 switch from analog to digital broadcasts, but in all U.S. TV markets, parts of that spectrum is unused.
The lower-level TV spectrum will be better-suited to deliver long-range wireless broadband, or "Wi-Fi on steroids," as Martin said.
The FCC vote "ushers in a new era of wireless broadband innovation," Microsoft said in a statement. "Like other unlicensed facilities, which enabled popular technologies such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, white spaces will make possible new and creative solutions to a range of broadband connectivity challenges. And it will create opportunities for American companies to remain at the forefront of technological innovation worldwide, helping to create jobs and economic growth."
Google co-founder Larry Page also applauded the FCC vote.
"I've always thought that there are a lot of really incredible things that engineers and entrepreneurs can do with this spectrum," he wrote on Google's blog. "We will soon have 'Wi-Fi on steroids,' since these spectrum signals have much longer range than today's WiFi technology and broadband access can be spread using fewer base stations resulting in better coverage at lower cost.
"As an engineer, I was also really gratified to see that the FCC decided to put science over politics," Page added. "For years the broadcasting lobby and others have tried to spread fear and confusion about this technology, rather than allow the FCC's engineers to simply do their work."
Europe - data protection
New privacy rules for digital networks and services - Directive kicks in today
As from today EU Member States must comply with the Directive on Privacy and Electronic Communications, which sets EU standards for the protection of privacy and personal data in electronic communications. The Directive includes basic obligations to ensure the security and confidentiality of communications over EU electronic networks, including internet and mobile services. It sets out specific conditions for installing so-called "cookies" on users' personal computers and for using location data generated by mobile phones. Notably, the Directive also introduces a 'ban on spam' throughout the EU.
As from today EU Member States must comply with the Directive on Privacy and Electronic Communications, which sets EU standards for the protection of privacy and personal data in electronic communications. The Directive includes basic obligations to ensure the security and confidentiality of communications over EU electronic networks, including internet and mobile services. It sets out specific conditions for installing so-called "cookies" on users' personal computers and for using location data generated by mobile phones. Notably, the Directive also introduces a 'ban on spam' throughout the EU.
USA - delays in chanes to regulation
FCC chairman cancels vote on telecom overhaul
The head of the Federal Communications Commission has canceled a controversial Election Day vote on a proposed overhaul of key elements of telecom regulation. Consumer advocates had warned that the changes threatened to raise phone bills for many people.
Abandoning the vote is a setback for FCC Chairman Kevin Martin, one of three Republicans on the five-member commission, who had hoped to pass his proposal before power changes hands in Washington. Martin pulled the item from the agenda for Tuesday's FCC meeting after mounting opposition from many corners of the telecommunications industry, consumer groups and Congress.
Martin had been seeking to reform the multibillion "intercarrier compensation" system, the byzantine menu of charges that telecom carriers pay to access each other's networks, by moving toward uniform, lower rates. His plan also included major changes to the $7 billion Universal Service Fund, which subsidizes telecom service in rural and poor communities through a surcharge on phone bills. Among other things, Martin would have required carriers to use Universal Service money to invest in broadband networks in parts of the country that lack high-speed Internet connections.
But in an interview Monday with The Associated Press, Martin said the other four FCC commissioners were not ready to address his proposal and instead wanted to seek public comments on many of the issues that it raises.
Martin lamented the move to cancel the vote, saying that the ideas in his proposal already have been debated in Washington for years. Martin said the change of course represented "a real missed opportunity" to reform broken regulations and extend broadband services throughout the country.
His proposed change in the telephone access fees had the support of the nation's biggest phone companies, including Verizon Communications Inc. and AT&T Inc., which argue that the existing rules are outdated and based on obsolete regulatory distinctions.
But a broad coalition of competing carriers and rural phone companies feared the plan would diminish the money they get for completing phone calls to their subscribers. Consumer advocates also warned that the proposal could lead to higher phone bills — particularly for rural customers — as phone companies sought to recover lost access revenue from other sources.
The head of the Federal Communications Commission has canceled a controversial Election Day vote on a proposed overhaul of key elements of telecom regulation. Consumer advocates had warned that the changes threatened to raise phone bills for many people.
Abandoning the vote is a setback for FCC Chairman Kevin Martin, one of three Republicans on the five-member commission, who had hoped to pass his proposal before power changes hands in Washington. Martin pulled the item from the agenda for Tuesday's FCC meeting after mounting opposition from many corners of the telecommunications industry, consumer groups and Congress.
Martin had been seeking to reform the multibillion "intercarrier compensation" system, the byzantine menu of charges that telecom carriers pay to access each other's networks, by moving toward uniform, lower rates. His plan also included major changes to the $7 billion Universal Service Fund, which subsidizes telecom service in rural and poor communities through a surcharge on phone bills. Among other things, Martin would have required carriers to use Universal Service money to invest in broadband networks in parts of the country that lack high-speed Internet connections.
But in an interview Monday with The Associated Press, Martin said the other four FCC commissioners were not ready to address his proposal and instead wanted to seek public comments on many of the issues that it raises.
Martin lamented the move to cancel the vote, saying that the ideas in his proposal already have been debated in Washington for years. Martin said the change of course represented "a real missed opportunity" to reform broken regulations and extend broadband services throughout the country.
His proposed change in the telephone access fees had the support of the nation's biggest phone companies, including Verizon Communications Inc. and AT&T Inc., which argue that the existing rules are outdated and based on obsolete regulatory distinctions.
But a broad coalition of competing carriers and rural phone companies feared the plan would diminish the money they get for completing phone calls to their subscribers. Consumer advocates also warned that the proposal could lead to higher phone bills — particularly for rural customers — as phone companies sought to recover lost access revenue from other sources.
Europe - compromises on reform proposals
European Commission compromises on telecom reform
The European Commission has presented new proposals for the reform of the telecommunications regulatory framework. This follows a vote by the European Parliament on 25 September that resulted in substantial changes to the EC's initial legislation. Since then EU Council members have been in talks on finalising the reforms.
In line with the parliament and council's views, the commission has agreed to scale back its plans for the new European telecoms regulator and create an agency substantially smaller in size and competences. The agency will focus on telecoms regulation and have no authority on spectrum or network security. In line with proposals adopted by the European Regulators Group, independent national regulators will form the heart of the new office, which will be called the Body of the European Telecoms Regulators. The heads of the national telecoms regulators will be given a strong role in the management of the new office and in the appointment of its managing director. The commission also accepts the parliament's proposal that 50 percent of the staff of the new office can be seconded by national regulators. Including such seconded staff, the new office should employ no more than 20 experts.
On spectrum policy, where the EC was seeking more EU-wide coordination, the commission has agreed to focus solely on pan-European services. This will include submitting a multi-annual EU radio spectrum policy programme to be jointly adopted by Parliament and Council. Member states will continue to be allowed to manage their spectrum in order to promote national cultural and media policy objectives, in line with the European Parliament's amendments. The creation of a new advisory body for radio spectrum policy, as suggested by the Parliament, has however not been retained by the Commission, in order to avoid duplication of work with the existing Radio Spectrum Policy Group.
The commission also reiterated its support for the parliament's amendment requiring judicial authorisation to restrict internet users' access to content or services. It furthermore supports the parliament's stronger emphasis on consumer rights, network and data security coordination, functional separation remedies and next-generation network investment.
The European Commission has presented new proposals for the reform of the telecommunications regulatory framework. This follows a vote by the European Parliament on 25 September that resulted in substantial changes to the EC's initial legislation. Since then EU Council members have been in talks on finalising the reforms.
In line with the parliament and council's views, the commission has agreed to scale back its plans for the new European telecoms regulator and create an agency substantially smaller in size and competences. The agency will focus on telecoms regulation and have no authority on spectrum or network security. In line with proposals adopted by the European Regulators Group, independent national regulators will form the heart of the new office, which will be called the Body of the European Telecoms Regulators. The heads of the national telecoms regulators will be given a strong role in the management of the new office and in the appointment of its managing director. The commission also accepts the parliament's proposal that 50 percent of the staff of the new office can be seconded by national regulators. Including such seconded staff, the new office should employ no more than 20 experts.
On spectrum policy, where the EC was seeking more EU-wide coordination, the commission has agreed to focus solely on pan-European services. This will include submitting a multi-annual EU radio spectrum policy programme to be jointly adopted by Parliament and Council. Member states will continue to be allowed to manage their spectrum in order to promote national cultural and media policy objectives, in line with the European Parliament's amendments. The creation of a new advisory body for radio spectrum policy, as suggested by the Parliament, has however not been retained by the Commission, in order to avoid duplication of work with the existing Radio Spectrum Policy Group.
The commission also reiterated its support for the parliament's amendment requiring judicial authorisation to restrict internet users' access to content or services. It furthermore supports the parliament's stronger emphasis on consumer rights, network and data security coordination, functional separation remedies and next-generation network investment.
Africa - telecommunications consumer group
African telecom consumer advocacy groups form alliance
Telecommunications consumer advocacy groups in Africa have formed an alliance to be known as the Africa Network of Consumer Associations of Information and Communication Technologies (ANCA-ICT), which will be based in Cotonou, Benin.
The creation of the new regional group resulted from of a three-day forum hosted by the League Pour la Defense du Consommateur au Benin (LDCB) in Cotonou last October, announced Deolu Ogunbanjo, president of the National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers, over the weekend.
ANCA-ICT has set up a seven-person committee to pilot the affairs of the new group, whose mission is to further advance the betterment of telecom consumers on the continent, said Ogunbanjo, who represented Nigeria at the forum. The committee is comprised of two representatives from West Africa, and one each from North, Central, East and South Africa, plus an Afrikaans representative to ease language barriers.
ANCA-ICT will hold another meeting in Benin to consolidate its leadership structure and to ensure that each region is fairly represented, Ogunbanjo confirmed in a telephone interview. It is highly anticipated that LDCB leader Romain Houehou will emerge at the meeting as the first president of ANCA-ICT, he added.
The group has already arrived at three major resolutions, Ogunbanjo said, including that the subscriber volume on telecoms operators' networks should always be a factor for the downward review of tariffs.
"Tariffs or prices must come down with the increase in subscriber base," the group said.
In addition, ANCA-ICT advocated that any major, active subscribers' associations be included on the board of national telecoms regulatory bodies in all African countries.
Telecommunications consumer advocacy groups in Africa have formed an alliance to be known as the Africa Network of Consumer Associations of Information and Communication Technologies (ANCA-ICT), which will be based in Cotonou, Benin.
The creation of the new regional group resulted from of a three-day forum hosted by the League Pour la Defense du Consommateur au Benin (LDCB) in Cotonou last October, announced Deolu Ogunbanjo, president of the National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers, over the weekend.
ANCA-ICT has set up a seven-person committee to pilot the affairs of the new group, whose mission is to further advance the betterment of telecom consumers on the continent, said Ogunbanjo, who represented Nigeria at the forum. The committee is comprised of two representatives from West Africa, and one each from North, Central, East and South Africa, plus an Afrikaans representative to ease language barriers.
ANCA-ICT will hold another meeting in Benin to consolidate its leadership structure and to ensure that each region is fairly represented, Ogunbanjo confirmed in a telephone interview. It is highly anticipated that LDCB leader Romain Houehou will emerge at the meeting as the first president of ANCA-ICT, he added.
The group has already arrived at three major resolutions, Ogunbanjo said, including that the subscriber volume on telecoms operators' networks should always be a factor for the downward review of tariffs.
"Tariffs or prices must come down with the increase in subscriber base," the group said.
In addition, ANCA-ICT advocated that any major, active subscribers' associations be included on the board of national telecoms regulatory bodies in all African countries.
PCCW - going private
Time to Make the Break From PCCW
It's time, at last, for shareholders to make a clean break with PCCW and its Chairman Richard Li.
A Singapore-listed company Mr. Li controls, and PCCW's other major owner, China Network Communications Group, have offered to buy the 52.4% of the Hong Kong telecom company they don't already own for HK$4.20 (54 U.S. cents) a share.
That's generous by some measures. It's a 53% premium to the stock's price when trading was halted in mid-October.
Some, though, are balking. The offer price is well below PCCW's average trading price in past months and years, and some expect that Mr. Li and China Netcom will be able to flip the company at a much higher price -- once markets are healthier.
That prospect would be particularly difficult for PCCW's long-term backers to stomach. In its hey day, the stock traded well over HK$100. For their persistence these shareholders have received very little. Until this week's offer, PCCW's shares in recent years have underperformed the Hang Seng Index.
With Hong Kong facing difficult economic times, the company's prospects don't look much better. Most of PCCW's business is in that city, which has a mature telecom market.
Rather than using that base to leap into Asia's faster-growing telecom markets, PCCW has had to spend the last few years using excess cash to pay down a huge debt burden.
Asia offers telecom and media investors plenty of compelling opportunities -- namely in mobile operators in China. The $4.20 offer values PCCW well above these -- at 12.4 times expected earnings compared to an average of 10 times at China Mobile, China Unicom and China Telecom.
Accepting the current offer will leave many PCCW shareholders in the red.
But it's also a chance to break with PCCW, at a price the stock may not see for some time, and move on to better opportunities.
It's time, at last, for shareholders to make a clean break with PCCW and its Chairman Richard Li.
A Singapore-listed company Mr. Li controls, and PCCW's other major owner, China Network Communications Group, have offered to buy the 52.4% of the Hong Kong telecom company they don't already own for HK$4.20 (54 U.S. cents) a share.
That's generous by some measures. It's a 53% premium to the stock's price when trading was halted in mid-October.
Some, though, are balking. The offer price is well below PCCW's average trading price in past months and years, and some expect that Mr. Li and China Netcom will be able to flip the company at a much higher price -- once markets are healthier.
That prospect would be particularly difficult for PCCW's long-term backers to stomach. In its hey day, the stock traded well over HK$100. For their persistence these shareholders have received very little. Until this week's offer, PCCW's shares in recent years have underperformed the Hang Seng Index.
With Hong Kong facing difficult economic times, the company's prospects don't look much better. Most of PCCW's business is in that city, which has a mature telecom market.
Rather than using that base to leap into Asia's faster-growing telecom markets, PCCW has had to spend the last few years using excess cash to pay down a huge debt burden.
Asia offers telecom and media investors plenty of compelling opportunities -- namely in mobile operators in China. The $4.20 offer values PCCW well above these -- at 12.4 times expected earnings compared to an average of 10 times at China Mobile, China Unicom and China Telecom.
Accepting the current offer will leave many PCCW shareholders in the red.
But it's also a chance to break with PCCW, at a price the stock may not see for some time, and move on to better opportunities.
BSNL - plans to expand abroad
India's BSNL plans to bid for telecom licences abroad
Indian state-run telecoms firm Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd plans to bid for licences in African and Middle Eastern countries as it looks to expand to overseas markets, its chairman said on Friday.
"We are looking for growth in international markets. We will bid for licences in low tele-density markets in Africa and Middle East," Kuldeep Goyal told reporters at a news conference.
BSNL is India's second-largest telecoms firm after Bharti Airtel (BRTI.BO: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) in total subscriber base, but in the fast-growing mobile telephony segment it is ranked fourth.
The government was planning a public float for the firm, which one company official had said could raise up to $10 billion. But turmoil in equity markets and opposition from BSNL employees has put a brake on its plans.
Indian state-run telecoms firm Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd plans to bid for licences in African and Middle Eastern countries as it looks to expand to overseas markets, its chairman said on Friday.
"We are looking for growth in international markets. We will bid for licences in low tele-density markets in Africa and Middle East," Kuldeep Goyal told reporters at a news conference.
BSNL is India's second-largest telecoms firm after Bharti Airtel (BRTI.BO: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) in total subscriber base, but in the fast-growing mobile telephony segment it is ranked fourth.
The government was planning a public float for the firm, which one company official had said could raise up to $10 billion. But turmoil in equity markets and opposition from BSNL employees has put a brake on its plans.
Europe - regulation authority
EU scales back plan for telecom agency
The European Commission said Friday that it had scaled back its plans for a new telecommunications agency that would ensure consistent regulatory decisions by national authorities.
The original plan, which was announced last November, called for giving the commission more power over national authorities. The European Parliament vetoed that plan in September, calling for joint decisions by the commission and a new regulatory body made up of representatives of member states' authorities.
The commission said its new plan was based on the Parliament's vote and the wishes of the telecommunications ministers, who will decide on the measure on Nov. 27. To become European Union law, the Parliament and governments must approve the commission proposal.
"The European Parliament and council agree with the commission on the need to strengthen the EU single telecoms market," Viviane Reding, the EU's telecommunications commissioner, said in the statement. "We now need to move beyond this consensus on the objectives and reach agreement also on the concrete legislative texts."
National regulators can now rule that Europe's dominant telephone companies like Deutsche Telekom and France Télécom be required to open their networks to competition. The commission has clashed with governments that have tried to protect former monopolies from competition, prompting its call for more regulatory consistency.
The commission said the planned agency, to be called the Body of the European Telecoms Regulators, or BERT, would be "substantially smaller in size and competences than initially" planned.
"It will be a lean and efficient office that will focus on telecoms regulation," it said. The commission's original plan also covered spectrum and network security issues.
The European Commission said Friday that it had scaled back its plans for a new telecommunications agency that would ensure consistent regulatory decisions by national authorities.
The original plan, which was announced last November, called for giving the commission more power over national authorities. The European Parliament vetoed that plan in September, calling for joint decisions by the commission and a new regulatory body made up of representatives of member states' authorities.
The commission said its new plan was based on the Parliament's vote and the wishes of the telecommunications ministers, who will decide on the measure on Nov. 27. To become European Union law, the Parliament and governments must approve the commission proposal.
"The European Parliament and council agree with the commission on the need to strengthen the EU single telecoms market," Viviane Reding, the EU's telecommunications commissioner, said in the statement. "We now need to move beyond this consensus on the objectives and reach agreement also on the concrete legislative texts."
National regulators can now rule that Europe's dominant telephone companies like Deutsche Telekom and France Télécom be required to open their networks to competition. The commission has clashed with governments that have tried to protect former monopolies from competition, prompting its call for more regulatory consistency.
The commission said the planned agency, to be called the Body of the European Telecoms Regulators, or BERT, would be "substantially smaller in size and competences than initially" planned.
"It will be a lean and efficient office that will focus on telecoms regulation," it said. The commission's original plan also covered spectrum and network security issues.
Sunday, November 02, 2008
China - TS-SCDMA
MIIT Releases TD-SCDMA User Statistics
China has 300,000 TD-SCDMA users, reports c114.net quoting Han Xia, vice director of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology's (MIIT) Telecom Administration Bureau on October 22.
China Mobile is targeting 400,000 TD-SCDMA users before the end of 2008. Company president Wang Jianzhou said China Mobile had 175,000 TD-SCDMA network users by August 24 - 104,000 free trial users, 60,000 Olympic users and 11,000 TD-SCDMA handset users subscribing to the GSM network.
China has 300,000 TD-SCDMA users, reports c114.net quoting Han Xia, vice director of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology's (MIIT) Telecom Administration Bureau on October 22.
China Mobile is targeting 400,000 TD-SCDMA users before the end of 2008. Company president Wang Jianzhou said China Mobile had 175,000 TD-SCDMA network users by August 24 - 104,000 free trial users, 60,000 Olympic users and 11,000 TD-SCDMA handset users subscribing to the GSM network.
Falling average handset prices
Falling handset vendor performance to pressure Taiwan OEMs
Fierce price competition in the global handset market has caused handset vendors such as Nokia and Sony Ericsson to see a drop in average selling prices (ASPs) and profits. Market watchers also expect Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics (LGE) and Motorola to report an decline in ASPs for the third quarter. Handset vendors are working to negotiate more favorable prices with their suppliers putting pressure on Taiwan-based handset OEMs.
Nokia has reported a third-quarter ASP at 72 euro (US$97), down from 74 euro in the second quarter; Sony Ericsson had an APS of 109 euro, down from 116 euro. Nokia's earnings per share (EPS) in the third quarter was down 28% sequentially while Sony Ericsson reported a loss of 25 million euro, its first loss of this size in the past five years. In addition, operating profits of the five leading handset vendors are declining due to fiercer price competition from high-end to low-end handsets.
Since Taiwan handset OEMs receive the majority of their orders from Motorola, Sony Ericsson and LGE, OEMs are expected to face more serious pressure to cut prices. This will be especially true in cases where the vendors work with two or more OEMs which can be played off each other for the best prices, the market watchers commented.
According to estimates from market sources in Taiwan, Nokia's third-quarter market share will decline from 40% to 38% because of delayed mid-range shipments while LGE will fall from 9% to 7.9% due to a loss of CDMA market share. The market shares of Motorola and Sony Ericsson will see slight growth and Samsung is expected to see 13% sequential growth.
Fierce price competition in the global handset market has caused handset vendors such as Nokia and Sony Ericsson to see a drop in average selling prices (ASPs) and profits. Market watchers also expect Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics (LGE) and Motorola to report an decline in ASPs for the third quarter. Handset vendors are working to negotiate more favorable prices with their suppliers putting pressure on Taiwan-based handset OEMs.
Nokia has reported a third-quarter ASP at 72 euro (US$97), down from 74 euro in the second quarter; Sony Ericsson had an APS of 109 euro, down from 116 euro. Nokia's earnings per share (EPS) in the third quarter was down 28% sequentially while Sony Ericsson reported a loss of 25 million euro, its first loss of this size in the past five years. In addition, operating profits of the five leading handset vendors are declining due to fiercer price competition from high-end to low-end handsets.
Since Taiwan handset OEMs receive the majority of their orders from Motorola, Sony Ericsson and LGE, OEMs are expected to face more serious pressure to cut prices. This will be especially true in cases where the vendors work with two or more OEMs which can be played off each other for the best prices, the market watchers commented.
According to estimates from market sources in Taiwan, Nokia's third-quarter market share will decline from 40% to 38% because of delayed mid-range shipments while LGE will fall from 9% to 7.9% due to a loss of CDMA market share. The market shares of Motorola and Sony Ericsson will see slight growth and Samsung is expected to see 13% sequential growth.
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